Bayou Wolf by Heather Long Page A

scratch an itch.” Unpacking a clean pair of jeans, she located a black off-the-shoulder lace shirt. Sexy and functional, it delivered both a practical and provocative message. Not for Mason, clearly, so why do I want to look good? Linc’s distant expression drifted across her mind’s eye, and she rolled her eyes. Her wolf ruffled its fur and rubbed against her insides. The animal understood exactly what she wanted.
    Hunt Linc down and pin him until he paid attention? The very basic, caveman instinct irritated her, but the wolf didn’t see a problem.
    “You just met him. Give him a couple of days to understand what a fantastic woman you are.” The healer bounced on the bed. “Flirt with the other males. Nothing says ‘come and get me’ like a little jealousy.”
    “Oh, please. I have no desire to incite testosterone-fueled claiming to get attention. If the man doesn’t want to play, he doesn’t want to play. Since the men I’ll be seeing primarily are Jerome—” And his attention belonged solely to Amy. “—and the other Alphas, I don’t need to borrow trouble with them.”
    “Be yourself with Mason. You two were lovers, there’s a familiarity there. Maybe that will do it.”
    Glaring at the healer, Sera leaned forward an inch. “Don’t. You. Dare.”
    “Oh, come on. It will be fun.”
    “And destructive. As a healer, you of all people shouldn’t be encouraging reckless behavior. Besides, Mason’s mated. He’d be insulted and rightly so. He’s also the closest thing I have to an ally here. Why the hell would I sabotage the relationship?” To get the interest of a carpenter who had gone out of his way to avoid her eyes after he proved he could hold her gaze?
    “I’m not encouraging reckless behavior per se .” Sitting sideways to rummage through the bag, Amy came up with an emerald green silk shirt. The blouse boasted flowing sleeves with buttoned cuffs and a hint of ruffling. It had reminded her of pirates, which was why Serafina purchased it in the first place. “This one, not the black. It’ll frame your breasts perfectly, but also keep them hidden so he has to wonder. You don’t want to be obvious.”
    Scowling, Serafina traded her shirts. “What are you doing?”
    “Nothing.” Too innocent and demure, even for Amy. Under Serafina’s flat stare, however, she squirmed. “Okay, fine, I’m worried about you. You’re always taking care of everyone else. It would be nice if you let someone look after you for a while.”
    Not possible . “I’m Alpha, Amy. Taking care of my pack comes before all else.” Libido included.
    “Yes, and if the Alpha is not healthy and happy, neither is the pack.” Bouncing to her feet, Amy gave her a swift hug. Though she was shorter and leaner in build, her strength was that of a wolf. She gave the best hugs. Relaxing a fraction at the affection, Serafina returned the embrace.
    “I’m quite content.” Even she tasted the lie in her words. Before Amy could call her on it, though, they both heard the low rumble of a vehicle. After releasing her, Serafina paced to the window. The truck was a familiar sight. Why the hell did Mason still drive that thing? It had been one of his first purchases in Louisiana during his sojourn amongst her pack. At the time, her father had granted Mason a stay to see how he would fit in and—Serafina suspected—to see if he would make a good match for her. Neither had been the case, but the former Lone Wolf had proved a valuable ally during a vulnerable time.
    For that alone, she would have granted his request to attend the meeting. Though Alpha in his own right, Mason earned her trust all those years before.
    “I’m going to shower.” Her desire for Linc had to be obvious if Amy kept pressing, and she didn’t need to share those details with Linc’s Alpha. Her Hounds would protect Amy, and they knew Mason. “Can I trust you to entertain Mason without any further comments on the other subject?”
    “Absolutely,” Amy